Chapter 357: Old Events Revisited
"Legolas."
Aragorn waved and greeted the new visitor to Rivendell.
Aragorn was filled with emotion when he saw Legolas again after such a long time.
This guy lied to me when we first met and said he was just an ordinary elf.
As it turns out, he is clearly the Elf Prince of the Woodland Kingdom.
Opposite Aragorn, Legolas also had many feelings.
This guy lied to me when we first met and said he was just an ordinary ranger.
As it turns out, he is clearly the chieftain of the Dúnedain, and the only person left in the world with the royal blood of Gondor and Arnor.
"You really kept it from me for a long time."
"You too."
The two smiled knowingly and didn't mention the matter again.
After returning from their travels in the East many years ago, the two met again in Rhovanion and worked together for a long time. Now it can be said that they are quite familiar with each other and their friendship is quite deep.
The two of them were reminiscing about the past, with smiles on their faces like old friends meeting each other.
Boromir frowned as he looked at Aragorn, a man who seemed to be about the same age as him. He always had a strange premonition.
It can't be explained clearly.
If I have to describe it, it is "fate". That person has a kind of fate that is closely related to oneself.
Old friends meet here, and various forces gather together, each with their own thoughts.
On the other side, in front of a secluded terrace with a direct view of the waterfall, a small meeting was held before the meeting.
"He was able to carry the One Ring so far and still not have any problems. This shows that Frodo's ability to resist the evil intentions of the Lord of the Rings is extraordinary."
Elrond looked at Frodo who was chatting leisurely with Bilbo, wondering what he was thinking.
Gandalf said, "Yes, it is true, but this burden should not be borne by him. He is just a hobbit, a hobbit who does not like adventure and only wants to live quietly in his home. A quiet life is more suitable for him."
"But sometimes we have no choice." Elrond shook his head slowly.
"Our long-dormant enemy has begun to take action. His army is huge, outnumbering the elves and humans combined, and his strength is gradually recovering. Although he has not yet acquired a physical form, his spirit is no weaker than before."
That year... was the time of the final alliance war.
"Saruman also mentioned this. I learned from Levi that he was almost bewitched by Sauron back then, and was captured by the Ringwraiths a few days ago. He is still imprisoned in Dol Guldur. I don't know what their purpose is in capturing him."
"No matter what the purpose is, a wizard's restricted movement is a loss for us. We have to find a way to rescue him."
"Have you any solution?" Gandalf asked.
Elrond fell silent again.
After a long while, he said, "Legolas of the Woodland Kingdom brought news about Dol Guldur. According to him, there are many demonic shadows there, and a large area of darkness is growing there, which makes people feel terrified."
"I guess there is probably a large army lurking there, but they dare not show up due to fear of the strong defense of the surrounding free cities."
"Although they are afraid of the surrounding forces, it is not easy to break in."
"Even if it's not easy, we still have to do it." Gandalf's attitude was more resolute.
"Of course, we will do it, and I have already decided on the candidates. Glorfindel will act together then. With Levi and me, it will not be difficult for us to capture Dol Guldur."
"Then I feel relieved."
Gandalf's frown relaxed a little.
After discussing Saruman's affairs, the two began to discuss the more important matter at the moment, which was the Lord of the Rings.
"Whether it's in Wayside Castle or Rivendell, the Ring cannot remain forever. You should understand that as long as the Ring remains, Sauron will have a chance to rise again."
"This is something that all people in Middle-earth have to face. No one can stay out of it."
"The era of the elves has ended. Even with the beacon helping us preserve our strength, some of our tribesmen are leaving day by day to join others in the holy land."
"Once all the elves leave, the power of the Freedom Faction will decrease again."
"Then you'll have no choice but to turn to—"
Click.
A man arrived late, crossing the bridge from a distance and walking towards the two of them, intending to interrupt this small meeting.
"Fortunately, there is this emerging force."
Elrond breathed a sigh of relief.
"Humans are too weak. They have been declining since the Second Age. The blood of Numenor has become increasingly diluted among the people. Their strength and lifespan are less than half of their ancestors'. The glory and dignity of Numenor no longer exist."
"Fortunately, the Free City-State emerged. It allowed me to see the glory of mankind in the last era."
“But it also worries me.”
Taking advantage of the brief moment when Levi came over, Elrond said, "In the past, Númenor was even more powerful than the Free Cities today. Even the greatest enemies surrendered without a fight and were frightened into prostrating themselves at its feet. But in the end, they were bewitched and corrupted, and their destruction was only a matter of seconds."
"Later, during the final war, its descendants were bewitched by the Supreme Ring, which caused it to escape, and also led to the current situation."
"I saw it with my own eyes, Gandalf. I was right beside him."
This is the real scene.
"When Isildur took the Ring, I witnessed the fragility of human nature."
Seriously, he really had the urge to kick Isildur down at that time, but Isildur's ancestors were his blood relatives after all.
Elven kinslaying is an unforgivable sin. He cannot do it, nor does he want to do it.
Moreover, even if he executed Isildur on the spot for the crime of parricide, it would lead to a direct war between humans and elves, a war to the death.
Because Isildur was the only heir to the human royal bloodline at that time, the only remaining bloodline of the Supreme King.
Finally, even if Elrond could withstand this and still take action, the Ring would not be destroyed. It would only attach itself to Elrond at the moment when Elrond made the chaotic decision to kill his family and cause a war, and choose him as the next host.
The fact that he could make such a decision itself meant that Elrond was no longer sane.
No matter from which perspective, Elrond could not move at the time. He could only watch helplessly, trying to wake Isildur up with his own shouts behind him.
At that time, it could be said that the only one who could truly destroy the One Ring and decide its fate was Isildur, and no one else could interfere.
But he failed.
"But fortunately, there are still many city-states close to us. Although the humans there are weaker than the Numenoreans and have a short lifespan, their forward-thinking spirit always makes me happy and gives me hope."
"As for Levi, it has been eighty years since we met. Although there are still many mysteries about him that I cannot understand, I do understand him as a person."
“The people of the North have prospered because of him, and will continue to prosper.”
"But the other thing..."
"Another leader who can unite mankind is right here in the valley. You have been seeing it with your own eyes."
Elrond and Gandalf turned their heads.
Levi said: "Aragorn has been a bit decadent recently, or he hasn't done anything, but I have always seen his performance. There is a hidden flame of will in his eyes."
After finishing his words, Levi sat down on the chair next to him and took a breath.
Thanks to the Star Ring, his senses were now extraordinary, and even from a long distance, he could hear what Gandalf and Elrond said.
These two guys really think a lot.
(End of this chapter)
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